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Though they are related, there are some key differences between chlorella and chlorophyll. Chlorella is a type of alga and chlorophyll is the substance plants use, along with sunlight, to make their own food. Chlorella is rich in chlorophyll, a substance thought to have health-promoting properties. Although the evidence supporting the use of these substances for treating conditions is very limited, they each remain common as over-the-counter dietary supplements.

Chlorella Basics

Chlorella is a freshwater, single-celled alga that contains antioxidants, including vitamin C and carotenoids, as well as high concentrations of B-complex vitamins and iron. Chlorella is known to be high in chlorophyll, the substance that provides its color. In Japan, chlorella is used for many types of health conditions although the American Cancer Society notes there is no scientific evidence available supporting the use of chlorella to treat or prevent any disease. Chlorella is often sold as a dietary supplement and some herbalists recommend it as part of a detoxification regimen.

Chlorella Usage and Safety

The American Cancer Society notes that although there is no evidence that chlorella is effective against cancer in humans, in some animal models it has effectively prevented the spread of cancer cells. Chlorella is available in a variety of forms including liquid extracts, tablets and powders. Herbalists commonly recommend 2 to 3 grams per day. Higher doses may be recommended for detoxification purposes. Chlorella powder can be mixed with foods made with flour, such as baked goods or with water or other liquids. Chlorella appears to be safe, although its long-term effects have not been tested, according to the American Cancer Society.

Chlorophyll Basics

The pigment that gives plants their color, chlorophyll, is used in the process known as photosynthesis, when plants trap light and convert it to energy, or food. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, chlorophyll may bind with certain cancer-causing agents to form molecular complexes. In doing so, it may be effective in blocking the carcinogenic effects of these agents. There is, however, not much known about the bioavailability -- the ability of the body to efficiently use a substance -- of chlorophyll. Because chlorophyll is less stable and more expensive than a semi-synthetic substance known as chlorophyllin -- which consists of water soluble sodium copper salts derived from chlorophyll -- chlorophyllin is the ingredient used in most over-the-counter chlorophyll supplements.

Chlorophyll Uses and Safety

Like chlorella, chlorophyll is used to treat a variety of conditions, however, there is little evidence supporting its use for the treatment of any medical conditions. WebMD notes that chlorophyll is used for bad breath, constipation, wound healing and detoxification. Health care providers can intravenously treat pancreatitis with chlorophyll and WebMD rates it as "possibly effective" for this use. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, chlorophyll is safe and nontoxic, although pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid it, as its safety in these groups has not been tested.